[A/S] Re: Automatic vs manual transmission

["Maurice Riggins <maurice.riggins@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>" <maurice.riggins@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I learned to drive a manual.  My first car was a manual.  I've driven 
manuals all my life.  I made my kids learn to drive with a manual 
despite their whining about how much easier it was for their friends 
learning to drive an automatic.  Their first cars were manuals.  My 
wife's driven manuals all her life.

But our truck is an automatic.  It's more comfortable.  Ever try to 
drive a manual with a severely sprained ankle? (I have... thank God 
for rental cars).  I feel I have a slight bit more control when 
backing.  It's every bit as rugged as a manual these days.  You do 
have to watch the transmission fluid temperature in stop and go 
traffic and when backing, when the cooler is getting less air, but 
you also have to be careful not to slip a clutch to death under the 
same circumstances.  You also have to watch the temperature if you 
get slow enough that the torque converter unlocks on an uphill grade, 
but that's usually not a problem with a diesel.

If you want an auto, buy one.
--
Maurice
WBCCI 5446